Compare Iceland Express by Intrepid Travel vs Multi - Activity Adventure by Icelandic Mountain Guides

Day 1 Reykjavik

Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. The world's northernmost capital of Reykjavik lies just below the Arctic Circle. The city sees around four hours of sunlight a day in winter and 22 hours or more in summer. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and crystalline ocean, and boasting a vibrant arts and nightlife scene, Reykjavik's contrasts are utterly beguiling. Why not arrive early and head to the National Museum, which depicts the history of Iceland from the ninth century (when the first Vikings from mainland Scandinavia arrived and settled) to the present day, or join locals who gossip and chatter in the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

Day 2 Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Area

Head out of town early this morning to follow the Golden Circle driving route towards Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir was the location of Iceland's first parliament, founded in AD930, and is also the site of the Silfra Fissure, where tectonic plates are pulling apart and exposing some pretty wild rock shelves. Continue on to the Geysir Geothermal Area and check out the Strokkur Geyser – it swells with blue water before erupting and shooting a spout some 20–30 metres in the air. Finally, witness the sheer power of the Gullfoss (Golden) Waterfall on the Hvita River. You'll even get a chance to stop by Secret Lagoon, a natural hot pool that will beckon you to take a dip, on your way to tonight's accommodation. After your Golden Circle tour, head to your stay in the Hvolsvollur region for the evening. This guesthouse is a leader in local responsible tourism and sustainability. The owners started a tree planting project on their land to contribute to lowering atmospheric carbon dioxide and counteract soil erosion. Tonight, you’ll have the option to join the effort and head out into the hills surrounding the property to plant trees yourself.

Day 3 Myrdalsjokull / South Coast / Reynivellir

Begin the day with a visit to the breathtaking Skogafoss – a giant waterfall, 25-metres wide and dropping 60 metres. Get up close and feel its power, then climb a long and windy set of stairs to a stunning viewpoint. Next up is one of Europe's biggest ice caps – Myrdalsjokull – which covers the active volcano Katla. Choose whether to join an optional hike over the glacier tongue – no experience is necessary. It’s sobering to think that the glacier is retreating due to rising world temperatures and may soon be gone. If you don't want to take the glacier walk, perhaps explore the area around the glacier tongue. Alternatively, Skogafoss waterfall has a number of walking trails, or you can visit the Skogar folk museum. Along today's drive you'll get to check out the Laki Lava fields as you continue along Iceland's South Shore, spotting bird colonies on the promontory of Dyrholaey, Iceland's southernmost point. You’ll also see the amazing stepping-stone rock formations of Reynisdrangar and its black sand beach, Reynisfjara. Continue to your overnight stop in the countryside near Reynivellir.

Day 4 Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon / Vik / Reykjavik

This morning, visit one of Iceland's undisputed highlights: the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Consider jumping on an optional cruise among the icebergs, or just take a walk along the shore down to Diamond Beach, where icebergs from the lagoon wash up on its black sands. Later today, head to Vik for lunch. With the sea on one side and high cliffs on the other, this dramatically positioned small village is Iceland's most southern mainland settlement. In the afternoon, complete your southerly loop by heading back to Reykjavik with a quick stop at Seljalandsfoss on your way. On arrival in Reykjavik, join your local leader for a short guided walk of the capital to visit the old harbour, city centre and snap some photos of Hallgrimskirkja church. The evening is free for you to enjoy all the capital has to offer, so why not get your group together for dinner! Perhaps, stop in Reykjavik`s most famous hot dog stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur on the main square or head over to one of the many bars in town serving Icelandic craft beers.

Day 5 Reykjavik

With no activities planned for today, it’s time to say 'sjaumst' to your group leader and fellow travellers. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you’d like to spend more time in Reykjavik and surrounds, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability). What happens next is up to you – maybe a snorkelling adventure in the Silfra Fissure or a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon.

Day 1: Reykjavík - Half day bike tour - Farm stay

The morning will be dedicated to mountain biking in the lunar landscape and lava fields around Reykjavik. Then we head to Hveragerði village known for hot springs and green houses and there we can visit the local swimming pool. In the afternoon we come to the farm stay where we will spend the next 3 nights and after settling in we can say hello to the horses and goats.

Driving: 2-3 hrs total

Activity: 4-5 hrs total

Day 2: Golden Circle and River Jet

Today we head inland to visit some of Iceland most renowned places, the golden waterfall Gullfoss and the Geysir geothermal area. On the way we will stop for an exciting River jet tour on Hvítá river close to Gullfoss. The tour starts where the river is calm, but we then head upstream and into the canyon where the current is stronger so the ride becomes more thrilling!  We continue the day visiting the World Heritage Site Þingvellir National park the site of the ancient Viking parliament and a place where the continental drift can be observed as here is where the Mid Atlantic Ocean Ridge surfaces. (Warm clothing and a cap necessary on colder days)

Driving: 4-5hrs total

Activity: River Jet 1 hr, shorter hikes 2-3 hrs total

Day 3: Sea Kayak tour

This morning we head to the small town of Stokkseyri  located on the coast and one of the better places for a kayak ride. Here we can freely explore the waterways and labyrinths of the inland lagoon for a couple of hours and then take a dip in the local swimming pool to warm up. In the afternoon we get to know the Icelandic horses as we go for a horse riding tour at a Horse Riding Centre close by. The ride will take us through meadows and lava fields of the area.

Driving: 2-3 hrs total

Activity: Sea kayak 2-3 hours, horse riding 1h30-2 hours.

Day 4: Glacier Walk and Þórsmörk

Today we pack our bags and head east towards the Eyjafjallajökull massif and the glacier Sólheimajökull. Here we will put on crampons and go on a short glacier walk (1h30) exploring the water cauldrons and other ice features found in the glacier ice. After the glacier walk we take a look at the waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss before turning into the highlands and the valley of Þórsmörk – the hidden green oasis located behind the glaciers of the south.

Night in a mountain hut.

Driving: 4-5 hrs total

Activity: 2-4 hrs

Day 5: Volcano Hike

From the comfortable mountain hut we set out for the hike up to the new craters of Fimmvörðuháls pass. These craters were formed during the first phase of the 2010 eruption. This is a hike that takes us through the magnificent landscapes of Þórsmörk cut with deep canyons and sharp ridges. Up on the hills we will enjoy fantastic views towards the surrounding glaciers as well as the green valley of Þórsmörk itself. Arriving at the craters we will see the new lava, still hot under the surface. After exploring the site we return down to the mountain hut for the night.

Night in mountain hut (BBQ dinner)

Hiking: 8-10 hrs total

Day 6: Blue Lagoon

Leaving Þórsmörk we head back west along the south coast. We follow the coastline on to the Reykjanes peninsula with its lava fields and formations and finish off our tour with a visit to the Blue Lagoon before returning to Reykjavík.

Driving: 3-5 hrs

Activity: 2-4 hrs total